Abstract

Introduction: The main objective of this study was to determine the
mental health status of population aged 15 and over in the province of Alborz
in the year 2015.

Methods: The statistical population of this cross-sectional field
survey consisted of residents of urban and rural areas of Alborz province in
Iran. An estimated sample size of 1200 people was chosen using systematic
random cluster sampling. Access was provided by the contribution of
Geographical Post Office of Karaj, Mohammad Abad, and Nazar Abad cities. The
General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used as the screening tool
for mental disorders. The analysis of data in the current study was carried out
using SPSS-18 software

Results: Using GHQ traditional scoring method, the results showed
that 19% of individuals (23.8% of females and 14.1% males) were suspected for mental
disorders. The prevalence of suspected cases of mental disorders was 21.3% in urban and
13.8% in rural areas. It also showed that somatization and anxiety symptoms
were more prevalent than social dysfunction and depression symptoms, and were
more common in women than men. The results of this research also showed that the
prevalence of suspected cases of mental disorders increased with aging. Such
disorders were more common in females, age groups of 65 and above, people
living in urban areas, divorced and widowed, illiterate and unemployed
individuals compared with other groups.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that about one
fifth of people in the province are suspected for mental disorders. Therefore,
it is mandatory for the provincial public health authorities to take the needed
steps to ensure that necessary requirements encompassing prevention and
promotion of mental health are implemented.